Who Is Pullman's Use Of Place In The Golden Compass

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There are five literary devices used to tell a story. One of which is place. Place is used within the story to describe a location or setting. Within the book, place sets tone and is used to set narrative. Pullman’s use of place in The Golden Compass allows him to establish epic scenery within the novel.
Many people will ask “what is place?”. Place is a description of atmosphere, time period, location, social hierarchies, culture, perspectives, etc to help illustrate a setting. Place can be used to set tone, provide conflict, establish mood, and so on. The use of place is a staple in literature to provide all of these aspects and more.
While place is a very common element used in literature, it plays a very important role within The Golden Compass. One role that place plays in The Golden Compass is as a representation of different “chapters” in Lyra’s life. For example, Jordan College represents her childhood (Schmoop). Jordan College is where Lyra grew up, and is described with fond memories within the book. Other examples include Bolvangar representing her growth as a character, and Svalbard representing a major turning point in her life.
While the locations within the novel represent different phases within Lyra’s life, the places used in The Golden Compass …show more content…

Svalbard is located in the arctic, even further north than Bolvangar, and is described as a very cold and hospitable environment (Pullman 310). There is an abundance of political corruption located within Svalbard, such as having kings usurped (Pullman 344). Svalbard serves as the final destination in The Golden Compass as it is where the climax takes place, and where the reader receives most of the answers that the novel. It also shows the readers how much Lyra has learned during her journey to this point. Lyra uses all she has experienced and uncovers the truth about the antagonists’

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